Border Issues BSF's Responsibility, People Should Be Vigilant Of Terrorist Hideouts: CM Banerjee

Recently, the Border Guard of Bangladesh (BGB) protested against fencing at the international border near Sukdevpur of Kaliachak, leading to the halt of the work.

Malda: Putting the onus on the Centre to find a solution to border issues with Bangladesh, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at an administrative event in Malda on Tuesday cautioned the people against venturing into the border areas during the skirmishes.

She asked people to keep a strict vigil on houses for any possible hideouts of terrorists and anti-social elements.

"We should never indulge in riots. There are some problems in Bangladesh. The BSF is supposed to secure the border. But if any issue crops up, we will deal with that. But please keep in mind that if there is some problem with the BSF, don't venture out there. I will request the police to do miking for asking the Indians on the other side of the border to come to this side, the rest of the thing will be taken care of by the administration. I hope someday the situation will improve. But be vigilant about any terrorist or antisocial renting out houses for hiding. That will lead to the destruction of society, the state and the nation. Whene there is development, there will be peace," Banerjee said.

Recently, the Border Guard of Bangladesh (BGB) protested against fencing at the international border near Sukdevpur under Block III of Kaliachak, leading to the halt of the work. BGB claimed that the Indian government was installing fences on disputed lands and refuted the maps of the international border shown by India.

Meanwhile, it has been alleged that some Bangladeshi miscreants are damaging crops on the Indian lands on the other side of the border and there was a fiasco at Sukdevpur between the people of the two nations. BGB has been blamed for inciting those miscreants, prompting the Indian government to ban the entry of Indians to the border areas. But those owning lands on the other side were exempted. Aside from Sukdevpur, other areas of the Indo-Bangla border have been witness to such skirmishes. Banerjee's statement came in the backdrop of it.

People of the district say along with BSF, the police should ensure the safety of people living in border areas. If the police were proactive, then how could some terrorists make hideouts in Nadia and Kolkata? they asked and requested Banerjee who also looks after the home ministry to look into such incidents.